Rhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. Wright

This anthology gathers a lively mix of traditional nursery verses and newer playful rhymes that rarely appear in standard schoolbooks. Compiled at the turn of the twentieth century, the editor drew from a wide range of sources—local folklore, old almanacs, and previously unpublished family sayings—while dedicating the work to three young listeners. The result is a warm, informal collection that feels like a shared secret among generations.

Listeners will find weather charms predicting rain, clever couplets about harvest and animal antics, and whimsical lines about kittens, robins and even railway flags. Each rhyme carries a regional flavor, from the rolling fields of Essex to the lyrical cadence of Welsh verses, inviting children and adults alike to chant, rhyme and imagine the world behind the words. The simple rhythm and vivid images make it an engaging companion for bedtime, classroom recitals, or casual listening.